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Frankenmuth Police and school security issues

Editor's Note: Over two weeks ago, we looked on in disbelief as we watched the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy unfold. Communities immediately began to self-examine their school and safety policies and we all hugged our kids and grandkids a little harder that weekend. Below is a column written by Frankenmuth Police Chief Don Mawer, as he begins his second decade as the community's top officer.

  As our community struggles to absorb and understand the events which occurred in Newtown, Connecticut at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, it is important to revisit the fact there are evil people who walk among our society.

  It is important to acknowledge the outrage after these events and rightfully so. The Frankenmuth Police Department along with the Frankenmuth School District was equally outraged at these events.
  Collectively we decided shortly after the events to take this energy and focus it where it is needed, which was keeping our campuses secure and focusing on our primary commitment which is the safety of our students.

  The Frankenmuth Police Department has worked with all our campus's "public" and "private" for over a decade to establish the current learning environment offered in the Frankenmuth Community.

  There are many things which go on behind the scenes each day between the school district, police department, fire department, students, citizens, crossing guards and city workers.
  I thought it was important to reiterate our stance on these incidents after the initial shock has turned "anger" to "concern" and some reacted in the media for different reasons based on their beliefs.

  The Frankenmuth Police has received many private comments from our "Facebook and email friends" stating appreciation for the "quiet confidence" approach to this incident with the school district to this incident. We collectively appreciate your confidence in our commitment, training and resources to these unfortunate events.
  We all work collectively to provide the environment you have come to expect and will continue to react appropriately to situations and potential threats which challenge the current environment.

  Suspects sometimes give slight indicators which you may observe indicating there may be issues going on in their lives which may jeopardize the safety of others. Please take time to report these suspicious behaviors to the school district or law enforcement.

  As always please do not hesitate to contact either the Frankenmuth Police Department or the Frankenmuth School District with any information or safety concerns we can assist in.